Are Kiwi Rugby Pundits Arrogant? 

NZ pundits are arrogant. Honest opinion. But as a saffa in NZ i must admit this arrogance is limited to the pundits and not something the supporters partake in. Which i really do respect

The Breakdown needs some humility.

Absolutely, there’s a reason Kiwi pundits overwhelmingly refer to Ireland as “well drilled”, cause they couldn’t possibly be talented

Completely agree. The NZ pundits often represent you guys horrifically

Yes, can't stand the breakdown for that reason.

Love watching the All Blacks and I am South African. Reason I do is because it is different in style. If we all played the same it would have boring. Viva le difference!

I do find the RU-vidrs such as yourself and Eggchasers and more much better than the TV commentary across the board

Breakdown broke down. Thanks to Jeff and John.

Mark on Two Cents rugby is one of the most informative and interesting commentators and analysts on rugby. Excellent observations. Keep up the good work

Mate, I really cannot stomach The Breakdown. Those guys are insufferable. The best NZ rugby pod is with Bryn Hall and James Parsons, the Aotearoa Rugby Pod. Balanced, knowledgable and dynamic!

Mzwandile Stick said it best: "if John Kirwan is so disenchanted with the game, he should watch touch rugby".

I surely don’t want the game mimicking rugby league. Scrum is an integral part of the game, a magnificent test of strength for both teams. It is so ingrained in rugby culture here in France I don’t see it going away soon. You only have to see the respect front rows have for each other, and the bond that these epic battles create amongst them to know that this is vital for the game.

Yes. Default attitude = Superior and patronising. I now cannot watch ANY interaction with Jeff Wilson …… ever. Like all nationalities, there are good Kiwis and bad Kiwis - but the bad ones take smugness to a whole new level.

Other countries have pundits who are also arrogant, but I’m a kiwi and our pundits annoy the hell out of me. I think we’ve always been a bit that way - when England and Jonny Wilkinson were dominating in the early 2000’s our pundits were calling English rugby boring. I think we said something similar about the boks in the Victor Matfield era, but both England and South Africa were finding ways to win, they got the results that we weren’t. I love the All Blacks and am proud of the team’s accomplishments but it’s arrogant to think our rugby is any better than anyone else out there.

I get the feeling that NZ rugby is starting to isolate itself with this attitude. I kinda think this is one of the reasons why SA rugby will progress quicker than NZ and AUS as they are now exposed to northern hemisphere rugby and will have a way better understanding of how rugby is played and developing globally. As an Ireland fan I always thought it was a wise move for the SA teams to compete in the URC and European competitions to gain this exposure. The AB cloak of invincibility has slipped over the last few years and they do not hold the same aura that they once did. Don't get me wrong as they are still a great team with amazing players, but I think rugby is evolving quicker than they are adapting. I have a feeling that SA have a long term strategy that will keep them at the top for a long time.

As a Saffer Jeff Wilson is an absolute Muppet. Even when you see a journalist being on a rugby show then you know it's a hatchet job. More mins in the game does not mean a better quality game. It's all a lake duck attempt to change the game. Rugby union can be played in many ways. People want to see a contest. New Zealand rugby union is seeing a huge decline in participation and I think it's a coordinated effort to change things.

It's really just Jeff and Kirwin. Tweedle dee and Tweedle dum. Highly annoying duo.

In my view, it’s really a JW and JK issue. Never express opinion in any way other than if their view is a fact. I get that pundits need to have an opinion but these two simply come across as arrogant and frankly, lacking in knowledge from outside NZ

Every nation has them, I am afraid. England has Cive Woodward, SA has Mark Keohane, Ireland has Matt Williams. The list goes on. However, there are great pundits too, NZ Aotearoa rugby pod is excellent, so there is ballance, you just have to ignore the bullshit that is out there. Your reviews are great and ballanced, too. Just keep doing what you do, and leave the know it all types to their own opinions. People will vote with their views.

Good on you mate. This why we love you.

Wildkard and Twocents done. Now Uggy, The Kiwi lads, Distracted, Hakatime and the rest need to make vids as well. Maybe you guys can help improve the comms down South.

I am a proudly South African supporter, but so glad this has been acknowledged ...it is quite disgusting to listen to professionals speak with so much bias.. it is so disrespectful. Kudos for sharing your insight into the scourge of new Zealand ... and may I say other commentators as well

Welsh guy here, I can't watch league I find it boring.

Love this video. The NZ pundits are appalling arrogant. JK on the Breakdown is a particularly egregious example.

Mark - great job as always. Random Rory Delap reference just brilliant. As an Irish fan love playing NZ but v very hard to watch NZ pundits like The Breakdown. Great rivalry makes for great games - sometimes your team wins and sometimes you get l beaten.

Look as a irish supporter our pundits can be a bit arrogant as well at least they know the other country's players while i watched the nz breakdown six nations preview with Jeff Wilson and john kirwan and it was a total embarrassment they didn't have a clue at all. 😂. But as for the nz fans no i wouldn't classify them as arrogant they are very knowledgeable. So all country's do have arrogant pundits and some good ones too.

Rory Dulap an Irish international 😂 Leinster and Ireland play a great brand of rugby, but excitement comes in the titanic games, Ireland v NZ , France v SA and apart from New Zealanders and Italians not many are interested in the outcome of that one sided game…

For me, Andrew Merthens was easily New Zealand's best rugby commentators/pundit as he's not only someone who seemed to genuinely enjoy watching rugby, but is someone who's both very objective and informed when giving out statements, which made him a joy to listen to when watching a game of rugby. Most of the current New Zealand commentators/pundits and callers are very hard to like and listen to as they don't seem to have that same objective enthusiasm for the game of rugby like Andrew Merthens had. Now, I'm not saying that Australia has better commentators/pundits or callers as we also have a fair share of commentators/pundits and callers who are also nauseatingly subjective and supercilious, I'm saying that your observation is completely spot on and is something that needs to be formally addressed in some way, shape or form by the powers at be as no one likes hearing that type of subjective, supercilious rubbish from any caller or commentator/pundit when watching a game of rugby or any sport for that matter. Great work, as always, my friend.

I love your impartiality. It takes experience of different perspectives to be able to see all sides. People that have less exposure to other ways of doing things tend to have a narrow and parochial view. Your approach is much more balanced and informed. Keep doing what you're doing Mark. Btw I believe travel and learning other languages and cultures plays a huge part in developing such a mindset

Success for the All Blacks over a long time breeds pride and arrogance, and the TV pundits have run out of ideas on what to say. That is why we'd rather be watching you, a humble and respectful rugby supporter.

Thank you! Finally a New Zealander admits it. You actually are as knowledgeable about the game as these NZ pundits think they are, while being very humble.

Exactly right, seems the big network pundits don't enjoy the game anymore and spend most of their time criticizing the ref, TMO, any other style than the NZ way.How boring and arrogant. Love your show, keep it going

Before the WC, when the Boks beat the ABs, JK and JW from Breakdown had quite a breakdown. It was like how dare our boys beat them. We're not that good. Never watched them again.

Agreed 100%.. its so good you can see that and its why I watch your videos. You take an impartial view every time and comment on games for the love of rugby and not because you are a kiwi. This makes your channel enjoyable to all rugby fans regardless of nationality. Keep up the work . This Irish fan loves your channel.☘️

I don't get the calls to make it more like league. League already exists. What would the point be of having two codes that are exactly alike. If you prefer the way league operates, then watch that. You have that option. Union isn't holding you hostage, JK! 😅

Arrogant is putting it kindly. Toxic blight is more accurate. The Breakdown has had a breakdown😂

as a die hard springbok AND more importantly rugby supporter I've always loved your channel. your rugby knowledge is OUTSTANDING and opinions honest & unbiased. I agree that many so called pundits are arrogant, it's easy to voice opinions from the sidelines, the aussies being the worst in all sporting codes.

Its when rugby is a product, a commercial pay per view, advertisement dependent type thing, then its marketed aggressively. In Wales, we have BBC and S4C state broadcasters covering it, in free to air.., They are not trying to sell you subscriptions etc, so we get honest to God reality and critique. Johnathan Davies etc..On sky, BT sports, ITV, and a lot of Irish broadcasters (Virgin media in Ireland) you get Marketing, Hype, PR, Spin..just an entirely different outlook. It isn't arrogance, it is commercial competition. They don't want you consuming another product.

NZ used to be streets ahead of most rugby teams because the defences were much weaker than attacks. Now it's a different game, less trys in the big games. Ireland SA my heart rate never dropped for a second, while crowd was on the edge of their seats, like watching gladiators.

Couldn't agree more with your thinking Mark. Thank the internet that we can get unbiased views from you and a few other content creators. Hoping 1 day yourself, Wildkard, Eggchasers, Riaan Louw, KiwiLads, Squidge etc. can do some sort of monthly joint analyses to start rivalling the cringey mainstream media

As a neutral, i prefer the All Blacks style, but if everyone played like that it would be terrible, like the old saying, if everyone’s popular no one is. You need someone to play power so the speed will work. It’s the different styles that make it work. If everyone was fast you wouldn’t get half the breaks we love. And if everyone was powerful tackles wouldn’t look as dominant

Annoys me as well. That commentary took me right out of a brilliant game. I say this as someone who likes League but its the smaller code worldwide yet have you ever heard a single League supporter or commentator ever say it should be more like Union to grow the game? Never! The commentators, shockingly, actually like the sport how it is. Why cant Union pundits over here be like that, its like they hate the sport they get paid to commentate

Good vid. I also wondered about some of the dumb comments about Patchell, whom the commentator kept referring to simply as “the Welshman,” almost as if to underscore the oddity in his mind that such a guy could be in the 10 jersey during a Kiwi derby.

Every rugby playing nation has their vocal, arrogant minority. SA has a big rugby population so even though we have same pricks/capita ratio there is just more of them ... As far as pundits go we all have our favourites I guess. Personally I can't stand JK, but Boomers might love the guy.

This video is the reason I love your videos. You love the game no matter where it’s played and understand that each team or country has their own way of playing the game. I do find the pundits often don’t look beyond their own teams or leagues and feel that people like you, squidge and egg chasers are doing so much more for the sport then any of the ex professionals as you guys do it for the love of the game

First, full credit for having a Scarlets jersey behind you on the wall. As a Welshman, living in NZ, I am gutted that Patchell is down here and not in our national team (apparently he and Gats don't get along). As for the Kiwi commentators.... Well, some of them aren't great, but there are idiot commentators all over the world. Believe it or not I quite like Justin Marshall, because he's pretty much explaining exactly what's happening and why - rugby for dummies, which is great when you watch a game with people who don't know the game. Did you catch Moana Pasifika v Drua? Very entertaining, and looked a lot like League at times, although discipline was a significant factor. Cheers.

I totally agree with 2 cents. Keep Rugby league out of union. Anybody who doesn't get the tactical subtlety of union is not a fan anyway!

I wouldn't tarnish them all based on cranky old men. Aotearoa podcast is up there with the best, they actually seem to watch Rugby outside NZ below the international level.

Your points are very valid. New faces needed on most rugby shows in NZ

I love kiwis and your passion for rugby. JK is in a small subset of people who I would call a rugby snob. The only way to play the game is the way he envisions it in his head and I imagine the game in his head is basically just 15 wings a side playing touch rugby.

You’re a brave man to risk the scorn of those whom you criticize, but it is your objective and honest approach that gives you such credibility. Well done!

Hah! Wilson and Kerwin are clowns. Make no mistake, Saffa has their own as well but those 2 really make me laugh at this point.

I always remember when Sir John Kirwan arrogantly dismissed the Pumas before THAT win back in 2020 in Australia. NZ pundits are arrogant (remember Wilson's near breakdown after NZ lost in England to the Boks) until they are humbled by defeats.

Yep... Hit it on the nail right there .. unfortunately NZ rugby pundits are arrogant and bias at times ... That's why I appreciate your channel 👌🍻 I used to watch your country's rugby program , The Breakdown quite often, but their bias and arrogance has put me off lately... Thinking back to when SA gave NZ a hiding at Twickenham last year, only for the pundits on The Breakdown to come out and say that they're still miles better than SA and not even acknowledging that SA were superior in that game ... Maybe it stems from the fact that for years NZ were the best in the world, and so the confidence and arrogance was born out of that, but the rugby landscape in the world has changed quite significantly... It's time for some (not all New Zealanders) to accept that....

Still waiting for Sir John and Goldys interview after the world cup????

Yes, but thankfully the everyday NZ fans are sound and many are great craic. Thing that's actually annoys me more from NZ pundits is constant complaining about scrum and set piece..if they don't like it watch another sport lads. It's the technical fundamentals of the game, three ways a game can restart are scrum, lineout, a kick. Ufc commentators don't go aww this is boring when a fight goes to ground..they explain/get excited about how much work goes into and how important the technical side of the sport is. I think the breakdown/sky has gaslighted fans into not bothering to watch anymore with the constant calls of boring play. (between that and everything being behind an ever increasing pay wall, nz intrigue in their national sport is all but gone)

The Rory Delap throw-ins were a thing of beauty, I lived in China as well back when that was happening and I remember the Chinese commentators saying that Stoke City had a team full of basketball players since every defender was over 190cm haha. I only watch Aoteroa Rugby Pod now, I like to watch the Breakdown sometimes and turn it off when I hear something idiotic, and that usually lasts about 2-3 minutes

I don't need to watch the video, the answer is 100% unequivocally, YES!

I'm a Wallabies supporter but I was at the Italy v All Black in Lyon and it was so boring that I had to drink 8 pints of beer just to get through it. I'm pretty sure I didn't watch the second half very much. I was very disappointed in the Italians performance but the AB's wasn't surprising.

While I agree with the central tenet of your point, I do think what Foster was alluding to had validity. It's not the NH style of play per se thats the problem. It's the likes of the Springbok front row getting "injured" during every stoppage for a breather. Water carriers on the pitch at inappropriate times. The milking of contact to illicit a TMO intervention. Just general shithousery. The sport (credibility wise) has been on a steady decline since the 2017 Lions tour with the refs, rules and spirit of the game being hijacked by "professionalism" and "gamesmanship".

To answer fozzy on who wants to view what. All black vs Italy RU-vid highlights viewing numbers (world rugby channel and ITV) 860K Bok vs Ireland viewing numbers 1990k views. So twice as many people prefer watching the boring game. Glad I could clear that up for you Fozzy.

Respect you for making this video. Different styles are what make the game interesting.

The answer is absolutely yes. It's very clear they either don't watch NH rugby or they watch it through a critical lens. JK doesn't enjoy rugby, JK enjoys getting his name in the mix and the more controversial he is, the more his name pops up in the media. That's his priority imo. The fans are like this too to some extent. I hear a lot of comments about the number of points on the board, how there isn't enough tries in NH rugby to make it enjoyable. The irony is, the stadiums are always full in NH and Super Rugby constantly fails to attract decent crowds.

Short answer, Yes. It is mostly limited to John Kirwan and Jeff Wilson though. Long live the Bok vs All Black rivalry.

Second video ive seen about the shambles commentary that ruined what was an incredible game highlanders vs blues

thats why we love you Mark

Kiwi pundits are really bad. They are becoming an echo chamber and cannot hear another other opinion. I get that feeling that elements of the NZ rugby feel they are the spiritual owners of the game. The NZRFU do have outsized leverage on the game, and with the ABs it is somewhat understandable, but it is tiresome to constantly hear how we must all change how we play, change the laws, change the interpretation to suit. And it is dangerous because we cannot out league league. If we follow the Anzac way where league is an existential threat then we will lose our sport. Thanks for calling this out. Real rugby fans appreciate all styles

Yeah I don't get it either. I find league boring. It's just 5 tackles and kick. Possession is guaranteed. Rugby is every moment is a battle. Scrum, lineout, rucks, mauls kickoffs everything that happens is a battle. It's tense

The Breakdown needs to get booted. Or at least JK needs to get sacked.

You are the opposite of arrogant but pundits like John Kirwan are very arrogant.

Those NZ rugby shows are just like the league shows over here in Australia. They talk absolutely B/S. Why compare Rugby to League. Only played really in two states of Australia. Hasn’t got the appeal world wide that rugby has. For example that circus currently taken place in Las Vegas. The few locals thought it was rugby and the majority couldn’t careless. With little rugby that I have access to and definitely the league games I put TV on mute

It seems the recent resurgence in the Warriors performances and the fact they finally have crowds turning up has got this narrative rolling! League is not more popular anywhere in the world than union except for Australia! But because we have the internet and people commenting about liking the NRL more now suddenly people think it’s more popular! It’s not, the numbers say it’s not! But because the NRL have a decent product people are getting swept up in it! Majority of the time the NRL crowds are smaller than super rugby crowds! League is much too simple! If it really was the better game then it wouldn’t be starving for attention outside of a couple of places! Union does not need to be more like league! I’m not a fan of slow games either! But there is a difference between a hard game with a low score because both teams are in an arm wrestle and a low quality game where it’s more errors than game play! There are things in rugby that needs some tweaks but it’s not taking away scrums and lineouts! I always see league fans talking about take away rucks give union a tackle count drop two players and remove everything that is actually challenging! It’s embarrassing to see because they are very self righteous in their belief that league is better and harder! The whole reason union is exciting is the fact nothing is guaranteed! You can lose the ball at anytime! League you have 1 off runners running upright into contact without the worry of losing the ball unless it’s 1v1 I like watching league as well but I like the fact that they are different games! Neither needs to be more like the other! Also the breakdown people don’t speak for all of us they speak for themselves! Honestly it seems like rage baiting at this point! Just yap away and boil people’s blood until you get some attention! Haven’t watched the break down for god knows how long! Sorry for the novel! Probably left out heaps I wanted to say as well! 😂🤦🏽

I think what happened was from about 1995-2015 were by far the most skillful team in world rugby, essentially because a lot of rugby in NZ was essentially professional before the official professionalisation in 1995. This meant NZ had a head start. These days almost all nations are as equally skilled in terms of players. I think the reason NZ pundits still think the divide is there is because they only watch international or super rugby. If u watch any of the northern leagues the prem, URC or top 14 there is genially the same level of offloading and loose running rugby as super rugby. The difference is international rugby. Because test rugby is so high precision most teams have moved away from an offloading game plan, because the success percentages are so bad these days, defenses are so drilled often building a game around offloading is a poor choice. It’s what I called the ‘pep guidaolisation’ of rugby. Short high precision passes and an accurate kicking game give u better statistical success. Now that’s not saying offloads are never successful it’s just the basis of the game plan is almost never built around them. I’ve seen owen Farrell and sexton throw back of the hand offloads that’s would put beaten Barrett to shame in the domestic comps, they just refine their play style for test rugby. All nations have commentators who are stuck in the game they played 20 years ago .e.g. Clive Woodward Brian Moore, Jonathan Davies etc and so they just sprout the same stereotypes that are decades out of date.

Great video. From a true rugby fan. Salute you!

Used to watch kirwan and Wilson on your rugby show on sky sports... USED To!!.... Delusional.

I don't think this is unique to NZ or to rugby. I find most sports punditry and commentary to be lackluster. It often feels like former players rely on name brand and playing pedigree to get them through their commentary. Any pundit worth their salt should put in the effort to study the players they will be discussing. As you rightly say, Patchell has always played like this.

I genuinely think we have the most moronic and dreadful commenters. The only NZ commentators I listen to are yourself, Murray Mexted and Justin Marshall. Also after watching the 6 Nations Netflix series I was embarrassed by Crowley and his assistant- awful angry swearing Kiwi coaching Italy. It is embarrassing. Some Kiwis shouldn’t be in charge of rugby as coaches, commentators or on the NZRZU. Embarrassing

All this talk about needing to be more like league be careful what you wish for. As an Aussie who never played rugby I’m a convert I love all of it including scrums. One of the best games I’ve watched was a draw 8 - 8 I think Wallabies vs France maybe 8 years ago ?

Try having to listen to Stan's commentary... Bring back Gordon Bray please

Even your friend "distracted sports" brings up Rugby League all the time. It's boring. I don't bring up basketball when I'm watching American football, so keep the sports separate!

We have some super arrogant pundits here in Ireland too ( make me cringe ) - and the way they talk doesn't reflect how 99% of us fans think. I LOVE Springbok and NZ rugby ... just learning how to zone out the divisive click-merchants in every country is important. I find the commentary/analysis on Supersport to be pretty fair and enjoyable to watch

they are killing me bro. during the world cup JK and Jeff Wilson were TERRIBLE. their takes, their thoughts on other teams. seemed they havent watched rugby in 8 years. No respect for set piece. clowns.

Thought as South African that N.Z. pundits T.V. producers are extremely arrogant and one eyed.Then decided about 18 months ago to follow Ireland vs N.Z. Have since not watch a game with N.Z. commentary. Switch sound of listen to radio commentary.Avoid podcasts and rugby programmes from S.A. and N.Z. This character J.K. really get rid of this person.

Agree. NZ pundits / commentators lost credibility some years ago when things didn't go their team's way. They've become one-dimensional. Blinkered. No longer taken seriously. The Breakdown a prime example. Entitled, arrogant attitudes risk NZ falling further behind the rest of world w.r.t. rugby brains outsmarting the opposition in ALL aspects of Union. Lastly, agree with Wildkard - League is boring compared to Union. Cheers.

Thank God NZ didn't win the World Cup. Damn, we'd never hear the end of it. Sir John Kirwan's credibility is questionable; it's best not to take him seriously.

Let's put it this way. As an Irishman, I was lapping up every bit of NZ coverage I could get when we were playing the 3 test series down there as I found the arrogance truly astounding. They seemed to know virtually nothing about our players and were so dismissive and disrespectful. Though our pundits here are woeful too it has to be said.

As a casual fan of both Rugby codes, to me it seems the reason why NZ commentators keep comparing Super Rugby with League, is because as they see it the NRL is the biggest competitor for eyeballs, talent and sponsorship. Without South Africa in Super Rugby, and Union being (for an admittedly outsider observation) in the emergency room in Australia. With rumours of a 2nd New Zealand NRL franchise always on the table, this is probably felt more by our rugby pundits in NZ. Especially former players. Whether this (or my 0.02 for that matter) are correct is probably something, someone with more knowledge of both codes to answer,.

Ok so here is a crazy, half backed idea that I want you all to tell me is wrong and list reasons. Make it so time only expires from the clock when the ball is in play. So instead of 28 minutes of Rugby, we get 80. Let the Rugby be rugby, let’s just have more of it. No more wasting time having a breather, take your time, the clock will wait. Thoughts?

There is something to it, though. The rugby of the All Blacks and Super Rugby generally ARE better/prettier than everybody else. That's coming from an Ireland fan living in the states with a dad from Ireland who thinks the same thing.

Super Rugby has an inferiority complex since it is now in the two smallest rugby markets. 2million fans in NZ and a little more in Aus. Two very small TV markets. Without SA in the competition, let's be honest. The comp has decreased in relevance. It definitely is not more relevant.

Assuming the NZ pundits haven’t seen many games with the likes of Glasgow or Quins if they don’t think NH sides play running rugby!

I am not a Kiwi. In my experience the Springboks pundits and especially the fans are more arrogant, and to feel they’re the best are so narrow minded they’re almost like kids And I * agree with those views on your whiteboard. The All Blacks have the most consistent abilities of any team. Full stop

Watched the NRL,Broncos vs Roosters and it was fun.First time ive seen that version of the sport. Has a lot of contintuity and seems much simpler than Union with its complicated rules at ruck time, mauls,etc.But it doesn't feel ....epic.

I'm an Ireland fan so I don't really really watch much of the pundits from down south. However, the guys on the Breakdown don't come across very well. John Kirwan (great player) comes across as a bit of a buffoon and Jeff Wilson is overtly opinionated and a bit of a bully. Mils Muliaina, is mainly a sounding board for the other two. I have seen another NZ pundit show on RU-vid I cant remember the name of the host but he has a beard. That show was much less sensational and the pundits were definitely more knowledgeable and humble. We have our share of bad pundits too in Ireland Matt Williams likes to throw grenades and Alan Quinlan waffles a lot and procrastinates. We also have good ones too, Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella are always worth listening too and have a deep understanding of the game. Donal Lenihan has been around for ages but I've always found him to be fair and insightful and Ronan O Gara clearly has an incredible rugby intelligence and sometimes does punditry in addition to his main job.

I have a strong passion for both rugby codes, but my heart lies with rugby league, especially being from PNG where it's practically like a religion here. Removing contested scrums in union would be detrimental to the sport, so I believe the rules should remain unchanged.

Breakdown pundits have firm opinions, certainly are not bland and I can see the entertainment factor. There are a lot of alternative Kiwi pundits to switch to anyway. I particularly pick Breakdown to watch just after an All Black loss. I get great enjoyment and amusement listening to the excuses and how lucky and boring the opposition were etc. However they probably are guilty of doing the most disservice to Rugby Union. The actively market why rugby is so boring and league is so exciting. In fact it looks like they are secretly employed by League to market their game. Imagine the young fans tuning in for the first time and what perceptions are formed on how the game should be played. Also does JK think that other countries wouldn't be able to adapt their style of play if it was sped up and all the contestable set pieces were taken out with quick taps. Fossie in my opinion is the reason for the All Black decline due to his pretty rugby obsession and it would have been a catastrophy at the WC if they didn't change his coaching resources. Anyway if coaching is judged by results then JK, Fossie etc are right to stick to being pundents.

I have the utmost respect for NZ as a country, their fans, their players and the beautiful game they play, however I would definitely agree that your pundits are horrifically bias and self centered. The fact that they constantly want to put world rugby under pressure to make the game cater for NZ style of play or better yet to cater for league fans. I love the uniqueness of different countries and playing styles. If JK had his way, we would have no scrums, line outs or kick conversions

That the reason I don’t watch The Breakdown. Those guys and girls are extremely annoying to watch and listen to.

You get the arrogance no matter what brand of rugby you play from the NZ pundits You get sprayed on if your game is not as ‘fantastic’ as our boys ! If a team tries to play similar to the AB’s you get “ how delusional are these guys to think they can play our way “ Just noise

Yes, great players does not make great pundits, Goldie boldie and Sir Big Old JK are useless.